A research on impact of online learning environments among students during covid-19 pandemic period

Background: Information communication technology has grown in popularity over the last few years and that has lead to the rise of E-Learning. Educational institutions are resorting to incorporate the virtual method of learning into their system and implement “Blended Learning” especially during COVID 19 pandemic. It simplifies learning in a lot of ways and carries out the whole process in a paperless way. This acts as a supplement to traditional classroom learning and provides “anytime anywhere” access of information to the students and thus it transcends the limitations that can be caused by physical classroom learning. Objective: This article describes a study carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness about exposure to online platforms like Google Classroom and Moodle during COVID 19 pandemic among under graduate and graduate students in Tamil Nadu, India. Method: This analysis was carried out based on a online questionnaire using Google forms that was sent to students who had used both platforms for extended periods of time. Result: Three different parameters viz., use of internet for learning purpose, student teacher interaction and achieving the goal of satisfactory learning through online teaching were considered and the students feedback were discussed. Conclusion: The basic knowledge of internet and online learning platforms among the students is adequate but only 37% students agreed their goal of satisfactory learning is achieved through online teaching and 24% preferred online learning. This study would also help the educational institutions to understand the preferences and concerns of the students and the role of such platforms in learning process.